Bilateral nerve transfer surgery for upper limb motor recovery in tetraplegic patients: a longitudinal prospective study

Reported annual incidence of spinal cord lesions is about 40-100 cases every million people worldwide, mostly affecting male young adults involved in road and sport accidents [22][1]. The cervical spine is injured in half of the cases and may lead to the development of different degrees of severity of tetraplegia [3]. For these patients regaining hand function is considered a priority [3] [6], giving patients more independence in feeding, self-catheterization and personal hygiene [4]. In selected cases, nerve transfer techniques with or without tendon transfer, tenodesis and arthrodesis, favor upper limbs functional recovery and autonomy in daily activities, reducing the need of a caregiver and improving socio-economic status [7]. In this study we prospectively enrolled 10 patients with cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) undergoing nerve transfer procedures. Clinical data registered during follow-up were analyzed and correlated to the degree of functional recovery and independence in daily life activities.

Reported annual incidence of spinal cord lesions is about 40-100 cases every million people worldwide, mostly affecting male young adults involved in road and sport accidents . The cervical spine is injured in half of the cases and may lead to the development of different degrees of severity of tetraplegia . For these patients regaining hand function is considered a priority , giving patients more independence in feeding, self-catheterization and personal hygiene . In selected cases, nerve transfer techniques with or without tendon transfer, tenodesis and arthrodesis, favor upper limbs functional recovery and autonomy in daily activities, reducing the need of a caregiver and improving socio-economic status . In this study we prospectively enrolled 10 patients with cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) undergoing nerve transfer procedures. Clinical data registered during follow-up were analyzed and correlated to the degree of functional recovery and independence in daily life activities.